According to the Kentucky Department of Public Health, diabetes prevalence has doubled from 2000 to 2018 from 6.5% of adults to 13.7% of Kentucky adults. This rate is also higher than the national average (10.5%). Certain parts of Kentucky experience higher adult rates of diabetes. For example, Appalachian Kentucky counties exhibit a diagnosed diabetes rate of 16.8% compared to 12.5% in non-Appalachian Kentucky counties. Further, 1 in 3 Kentucky adults have diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes, which increases the risk of developing diabetes within 3-5 years. This public health issue is costly for Kentuckians. In 2017, it was estimated that diabetes alone cost Kentucky $5.16 billion in total medical costs and lost work and wages.

To address this public health and economic issue, UK Family & Consumer Sciences Extension across Kentucky partnered with relevant community organizations to offer the National Dining with Diabetes Program. The goal of this program is to equip participants with information about building healthy and nutritious meals through diabetes-friendly recipes. Through this program, relevant and timely information is provided to adults with diabetes and/or family members responsible for caregiving, meal planning, and preparation.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, six counties were able to offer the program to their clientele through a variety of media (Clay, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Owsley). Extension professionals at the state-level were able to quickly develop and adapt materials for the program for a virtual setting or through the mail (e.g., activity sheets to reinforce concepts and engage clientele). As a result of the program, 112 individuals reported exercising continuously for 30 minutes on 3 or more days of the week.  112 reported they cooked more meals at home and 119 individuals utilize portion control as one way to manage diabetes. Finally, 119 individuals feel confident they can keep their diabetes under control or help the person they care for keep their diabetes under control. 

As a newer program offered in Kentucky, emphasis will be placed in the coming years on adapting this program to better meet the needs of Kentucky counties as agents begin to implement the program in a variety of settings with community partners.